WEBVTT MATT HOWERTON EXPLAINS THEY ARE ALSO WORKING HARD TO KEEP IT FROM CAUSING TROUBLE. MATT THIS ISN'T WHAT THE ANIMAS : RIVER IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE. BUT FROM SKY 7, YOU CAN SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ANIMAS WHEN A MILLION GALLONS OF METALLIC MINE WASTE GETS MIXED INTO IT. CERTAINLY THE EPA LED DOWN THE STATE IN THIS CASE FOR IT MET: -- MATT: A CREW WITH THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED THE WASTE FROM THE ABANDONED GOLD KING MINE NEAR DURANGO COLORADO. WASTE THAT WE NOW KNOW INCLUDES, LEAD, ARSENIC AND OTHER HEAVY METALS. A PLUME OF THE CONTAMINATED MUCK IS NOW HEADING VERY SLOWLY SOUTH, AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO THREATEN SOME WATER SUPPLIES IN NORTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO. HAD THIS INTIMIDATION BEEN MOVING FASTER, WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN -- IT COULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO DRINKING WATER, BEFORE MUNICIPALITIES COULD HAVE DONE ANY PROTECTION. MATT: THE STATE AND OUR MIDDLE DEPARTMENT IS SERIOUS P.M. -- CURIOUS. STATE AGENCIES HAD TO LEARN ABOUT IT THROUGH THE MEDIA, INCLUDING QUESTIONS THROUGH ACTION 7 NEWS. THAT DELAY IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IRRESPONSIBLE. MATT OFFICIALS ARE NOW PUMPING : MORE WATER INTO THE RIVER TO DILUTE THE WASTE. SAN JUAN COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY THERE IS NO THREAT TO THE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY, IF YOU'RE ON THE MUNICIPAL SYSTEM. IF YOU USE A WELL, YOU SHOULD AVOID USING THE WATER UNTIL IT CAN BE TESTED. EVERYONE IS BEING ASKED NOT TO TOUCH IT, OR LET THEIR PETS